Our mission
Our purpose at Julia Day is to provide quality childcare in a safe, warm, nurturing environment where, in partnership with families, children can grow and learn.
More than child care. A place the whole Valley can count on.
For over 100 years, Julia Day Nursery has been a trusted part of Ansonia and the Naugatuck Valley: not just as an early learning center, but as a place families turn to for guidance, connection, and support.
We believe quality early learning changes lives. That’s why we hold ourselves to high standards in everything we do, and why our commitment doesn’t stop at our own front door. We offer parent education and support to families across the Valley, whether or not your child is enrolled with us. Our goal is simple: to be an information hub every Valley family can rely on, for real answers about child development, quality care, and what to look for in a program.
Meet our director
Shannon Bullard
Executive Director
I have called the Valley home for more than 20 years and live in Seymour with my husband and our two daughters. Community has always meant a great deal to me, and I have been fortunate to volunteer and give back throughout the Valley for all of that time. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Child Studies and am also a certified EMT.
As Executive Director, I love watching children learn, grow, and discover the world around them. I am especially passionate about supporting children’s social-emotional development, and about helping families through the transition when their child first starts school. Every child is unique, and it is important to understand and support each child’s individual needs.
What I value most about Julia Day is its true family feel. I want children and families to feel welcomed, known, and supported from the moment they walk through our doors. I believe in an open-door approach: whether you have a question, an idea, a concern, or simply want to stop in and say hello, my door is always open.
When I am not at Julia Day, I enjoy spending time outdoors, watching my girls play softball, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Questions about a place for your child, or about anything else? Email me at sbullard@juliadaynursery.com.
Held to a high standard
Accredited
NAEYC accredited, a member agency of the Valley United Way, and an Early Start CT site. We accept Care 4 Kids.
Qualified
Every classroom has a lead teacher with a bachelor’s degree, plus an additional teacher on top of state-required ratios.
Grounded
We follow the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards and use the Pyramid Model for social and emotional learning.
Part of a whole community
At Julia Day Nursery, we believe strong communities help children and families thrive. We value building meaningful partnerships with local organizations, businesses, schools, and community members to connect families with resources, opportunities, and support.
Collaboration allows us to learn from one another, strengthen the services we provide, and create meaningful experiences for children and families. We are proud to be part of the Valley community, and we believe that when we work together, we can make a greater difference for children and families.
Serving families throughout the Naugatuck Valley since 1917.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Every child and every family belongs here
At Julia Day Nursery, we believe every child and family deserves to feel welcomed, respected, valued, and included. We celebrate the unique cultures, identities, experiences, abilities, languages, and traditions that make each family who they are. We strive to create an environment where children can see themselves, learn about others, develop empathy, and feel a strong sense of belonging.
We are committed to providing equitable opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive. We listen to families, honor their perspectives, and work together to recognize and meet each child’s individual needs. Through our classrooms, curriculum, family partnerships, and community connections, we continue to learn and grow as a program, so that every child and every family knows they belong at Julia Day.
Julia Day at a glance
Hours
Monday to Friday, 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 51 weeks a year.
Ages
Three to eight years old. We do not currently offer a full-time kindergarten program.
Meals
Free breakfast, lunch and snack, served daily.
Programs
Preschool (a mixed class of threes and fours) and pre-kindergarten (fours and fives), each with three teachers for twenty children. Before and after school care for Prendergast and Mead Elementary.
Help with cost
We accept Care 4 Kids and are an Early Start CT site. Call us and we will help you work out what is available.
Our policies
Julia Day admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Families are a child’s first teachers; talk to your child’s teacher about visiting and taking part.